About Us

Stokes of England Blacksmithing Company was founded in 1981 near Charlottesville VA by Joe Stokes and oldest son Stephen Stokes. Stephen had come to America as an exchange student and settled in Charlottesville with wife Alison. Joe was the senior metal-smithing expert with the United Nations, having set up metal-smithing training facilities all over Africa and Asia.

Stokes of England's first commissions were for knives swords, furniture, hardware and fire screens, but eventually included gates railings, lighting and balconies. In 1983 Joe returned to England and between consultancies with the U.N.,the British Government and various foreign aid organizations, he founded Stokes of England U.K. Stephen's younger brother Chris joined their dad and since Joe's death has run Stokes of England U.K.

Stokes of England has been featured in many prestigious publications over the years including Architectural Digest, Southern Living, Home and Garden and Shropshire Magazine as well as being written about in the New York Times and Washington Post and many local publications. Public Television also did a feature on Stokes of England and the BBC have also run stories on the company and our prestigious commissions.

Stephen Stokes and his team of skilled craftsmen have worked with the top architects and designers in the country and always work directly with their clients. Steve's first large scale residential commission was for John and Patricia Kluge, for whom he made all the hand forged iron and bronze for their Albemarle House Estate (now owned by Trump Vineyard), working with famed interior designer David Easton. Commissions followed for the Parenchio mansion in Hollywood (the Beverly Hillbillies TV home!) and then for various Hollywood celebrities .

Stokes of England has worked for the royal families of Great Britain, Quatar, and Oman and forged all the iron and bronze work for the Atlantis Hotel and Casino in the Bahamas. Recently, Stokes of England was commissioned to make all the hand forged iron gates and balconies for the new business school at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, VA. Stokes of England operates a show room and gallery in Gordonsville VA where one may purchase furniture, lighting, hardware, and traditionally made wooden doors with iron strap hinges and hand forged locks.

One may also place custom orders at the gallery, and make an appointment to tour the forge and watch the blacksmiths at work on the forges and anvils.